Building LeBreton Flats - Master Planning

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by SL123

You need a mix of things at Lebreton Flats. Condos and apartment are part of that mix. Without people living there its just gonna be like Sparks street on the Weekend or after 5pm, Completely dead.

You misunderstood me. Of course, we need people to live there. But a condo only zone is equally dead only in a different way. You want something that attracts people from the greater city and tourists as well.

[RuralCitizen]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I'm not a fan of the aquarium idea. Just like zoos, I think they are antiquated attractions. A prison for humans to display their dominance on other creatures.

I wouldn't mind a museum, but there's no money in it, so not going to happen.

An NHL arena is still my top choice, but with the current owner and his history with the City and NCC, not going to happen.

I don't see the rush to build-up this parcel. Focus on the east. With the continued uncertainty around COVID and sky-high construction costs, this is not the time to ask for proposals. We won't get any quality proposals at this time because there is no money in it. Residential is just about the only thing we can still build profitably. Wait another 5-10 years.

I don't see an aquarium with fishes as a prison unless you are talking about orcas or other intellectually evolved animals like in Marineland. A zoo that exposes exotic animal is pretty antiquated. But a refuge for animals that can't be put back in the wild (because of domestication) or that require special protection to prevent extinction is another story.

I agree that we shouldn't rush to built on these lands. But as a city, can we now decide specifically exactly what we want built at this location. Plan and protect the space for it, so that it is ready when the economic/supply chain context gets better?

An arena/concert venue is a must in my opinion, but some other attraction should also be included beside. Could the city build such a venue like they did in Quebec city? The Ottawa 67 could play there while the rebuilt the TD stadium. And one day, the sens will change owner. (We don't live eternally)

[YOWflier]

Average Joe from New York, London, Paris, Montreal, Toronto, etc. may not care about their city being appealing to an outsider, but you better believe those in charge of and working in tourism at those places do.

Of course Ottawa should be its best self and people will love it for that, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't strive to broaden its offerings to include stuff commonly available in other popular destinations. No place "needs" an aquarium, ferris wheel, garden, skydiving center, casino, water park, <insert whatever popular attraction here>; those things exist as complements to the core aspects making a place unique in order to get visitors to not just come, but stay longer, and spend more.

Nothing should be off the table at Lebreton. Who cares if some/all of those things exist elsewhere? They don't exist here, and why shouldn't they?

[lrt's friend]

A botanical gardens is too big for the site and should be at the Experimental Farm opposite from Carleton as has been planned for 30 years. Sigh!! A butterfly conservatory is great for families and includes an indoor 'jungle', but perhaps again more suited for integration with a botanical gardens.

We need some unique outdoor art exhibit associated with a bar/restaurant district. I think of the coloured balls in the gay village in Montreal, but we need something unique.

If we want a museum, we need a national Indigenous museum and cultural centre, perhaps on Victoria Island if that were supported by the indigenous community but otherwise on Lebreton. I think this could be something tangible for reconciliation if the federal government were to bankroll it. Also, lets get the National Portrait gallery restarted.

Also, something active to complement the zip line.

Of course, I go back to my original comment on how bland this area will likely turn out. Government thinking in a government town will compromise all exciting ideas out of existence.

[RuralCitizen]

I really like the idea of the giant water/light show that was proposed during the competition. Lets get something better than what las vegas has.

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by RuralCitizen

I don't see an aquarium with fishes as a prison unless you are talking about orcas or other intellectually evolved animals like in Marineland. A zoo that exposes exotic animal is pretty antiquated. But a refuge for animals that can't be put back in the wild (because of domestication) or that require special protection to prevent extinction is another story.

I agree that we shouldn't rush to built on these lands. But as a city, can we now decide specifically exactly what we want built at this location. Plan and protect the space for it, so that it is ready when the economic/supply chain context gets better?

An arena/concert venue is a must in my opinion, but some other attraction should also be included beside. Could the city build such a venue like they did in Quebec city? The Ottawa 67 could play there while the rebuilt the TD stadium. And one day, the sens will change owner. (We don't live eternally)

If we were to do this, we need to be able to close off the upper sections in an elegant way to create a more intimate space for smaller events including the Ottawa 67s. Nothing worse than a huge arena, with only one quarter of the seats occupied. There needs to be buzz for events and nothing kills buzz quicker than an obviously mostly empty building.

[905er]

I have very little faith that anything will be built on Lebreton Flats in the next decade. It's an absolute eyesore and an embarrassment for a national capital to have something so ugly undeveloped right next to the beautiful parliament buildings.

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by FlyYOW

Average Joe from New York, London, Paris, Montreal, Toronto, etc. may not care about their city being appealing to an outsider, but you better believe those in charge of and working in tourism at those places do.

Of course Ottawa should be its best self and people will love it for that, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't strive to broaden its offerings to include stuff commonly available in other popular destinations. No place "needs" an aquarium, ferris wheel, garden, skydiving center, casino, water park, <insert whatever popular attraction here>; those things exist as complements to the core aspects making a place unique in order to get visitors to not just come, but stay longer, and spend more.

Nothing should be off the table at Lebreton. Who cares if some/all of those things exist elsewhere? They don't exist here, and why shouldn't they?

Very true. Other city's experiences with certain attractions tell us which are the most popular with visitors.

The bolded comment is key here. Ottawa should not be a place you only come for a day or two at most. You want them to stay longer and want them to come back again and again. We need to make best use of our assets and add new ones.

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by RuralCitizen

I really like the idea of the giant water/light show that was proposed during the competition. Lets get something better than what las vegas has.

I like this. The awe factor that gets people out after dark. I was surprised how many people went to the sound and light show on Parliament Hill. Now imagine something even more exciting around Chaudiere Falls.

[RuralCitizen]

Originally Posted by lrt's friend

I like this. The awe factor that gets people out after dark. I was surprised how many people went to the sound and light show on Parliament Hill. Now imagine something even more exciting around Chaudiere Falls.

We had one for one summer. It was called miwate

https://momentfactory.com/work/all/all/miwate-the-illumination-of-chaudiere-falls

[rocketphish]

NCC renews call for LeBreton Flats proposals, vows it will be 'different this time'
Call for submissions comes after arena partnership disintegrated

Nicole Williams · CBC News
Posted: Dec 01, 2021 5:06 PM ET | Last Updated: 9 minutes ago



The National Capital Commission (NCC) is once again calling for submissions for the development of LeBreton Flats.

On Wednesday, the NCC announced it's launching a new process "designed to identify the best opportunities" to develop the sprawling, mostly vacant site just west of Ottawa's downtown.

It's offering up two parcels for development opportunities, one for a larger venue and another beside the Ottawa River that could host a smaller venue.

Katie Paris, the NCC's lead for the LeBreton Flats development project, told reporters Wednesday that interested developers should embrace the guiding principles of the master plan for the site, and that the winning bidder must be prepared to "make it happen."

Two years ago, the NCC unveiled a new vision for LeBreton Flats that incorporated some of the elements of previous plans, such as thousands of residential units, offices and retail space, and even a possible hockey arena, but put more emphasis on public and green space.

The NCC previously entered into a deal with RendezVous LeBreton Group partners Eugene Melnyk and John Ruddy, who planned to build a new arena for the Ottawa Senators.

But Melnyk and Ruddy's partnership fell into disarray, ending with lawsuits and countersuits.

"It's really different this time," Paris said, addressing the skepticism some feel about reopening the process.

Paris pointed to the NCC's master plan and the public consultations that have already been done, which she said "will really ground the idea of these events centres in that bigger vision and really make sense."

Paris said Ottawa's new multi-million central library, to be built on one corner of LeBreton Flats, serves as a draw for other developers.

"We're very confident that we've got the right context in the right moment right now to get going," she said.

As for whether the NCC would welcome a bid that includes an NHL-calibre arena, Paris said "the door is open but we also want to make sure that we get going on this project."

Any such event centre would not be owned or operated by the NCC, she said.

"A major event centre would need to identify its tenant, its use, its financing sources with this call for expressions of interest."

Interested parties are asked to submit their proposals by Feb. 28, 2022.

With files from Kate Porter and Joanne Chianello

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ncc-lebreton-flats-development-callout-1.6269828

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by movebyleap

The NCC has had similar polls in the past and I have written to them before. And I will pitch THIS to them agaiin! My idea would be to have a stunning glass conservatory with an urban jungle! We have such a tough climate for 6 months of the year - this could be a wonderful escape from the elements for locals AND a cool attraction for tourists.

Not everyone can get away in the winter. This could be a little corner of tropical paradise in the north! There could be benches and possibly even a cafe/restaurant somewhere inside. Maybe even a plant shop which could sell plants propagated in the conservatory? (Mtl Botanical Garden has done this for years).
...

Time for this city to think out of the box. Capital cities the world over are exciting and diverse in their attractions.

Good idea, but I'd attach it to the old train station rather than out on the Flats.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by lrt's friend

I like this. The awe factor that gets people out after dark. I was surprised how many people went to the sound and light show on Parliament Hill. Now imagine something even more exciting around Chaudiere Falls.

Very true. It always amazes me how popular the sound and light show is. Some version of a light show could definitely be a main feature of whatever is done there. I know that light pollution is a big concern, but Ottawa is really quite dark compared to other cities and something bright and shiny would be a nice change.

[waterloowarrior]

No one wants to bring back the automotive museum proposal? Lol

You can download the request for expressions of interest here

https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/projects/lebreton-major-attractions

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by RuralCitizen

I agree with you that we should built attractions for the locals primarily. But in my opinion, Ottawa is a tourists destination. So we can't neglect them for the success of these spaces. If you want really cool big attractions such as an aquarium, do you think the local population will be big enough a market to keep it profitable?

No. Ripleys Aquarium in Toronto is $45/ticket. Ottawans would faint.

In line with JOT i'm not really a big fan of zoos in general but aquariums can be interesting if they're part of a larger marine research facility. Probably not too suited for Ottawa, but yeah.

Originally Posted by FlyYOW

Of course Ottawa should be its best self and people will love it for that, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't strive to broaden its offerings to include stuff commonly available in other popular destinations. No place "needs" an aquarium, ferris wheel, garden, skydiving center, casino, water park, <insert whatever popular attraction here>; those things exist as complements to the core aspects making a place unique in order to get visitors to not just come, but stay longer, and spend more.

I guess what i'm trying to say is that Ottawa should focus on things that make living in Ottawa better for Ottawans - tourists will follow suit if it's an attractive and happening city. Folks in Ottawa spend too much time trying to look good for people who only visit for a handful of days and then likely never return again. Build things for yourselves and figure out what Ottawa actually is as a city and place.

Originally Posted by waterloowarrior

No one wants to bring back the automotive museum proposal? Lol

Is this Detroit?

[originalmuffins]

For me, it is important that Lebreton is a place that attracts not just tourists but locals as well. Aka we need multiple things - not just one.

The light show in the river beside a boardwalk? Easy enough to implement. There is one that is down in Dubai near the mall and Burj Khalifa - everyone sits there to watch it. It is insanely popular. It wouldn't take up too much space and would be a huge differentiator for Ottawa over other cities. Great idea! This needs to be communicated to the NCC and City.

I do like the idea of a ferris wheel, it'll add some pizzaz and one that can be running during the winter is doable. The one in Montreal runs year round from what I remember.

Additionally, I agree a stadium should be built but if they cant get buy-in from the Senators then we need to look at a different option. A combination aquarium and indoor water park is absolutely a highlight. There's going to be a bunch of apartments/condos in the area so incorporating hotels nearby is great. If the stadium is a go... maybe a smaller aquarium and a mid size ferris wheel instead of something as big as the one in Montreal.

Vision wise, that would make LeBreton a place to be! One can dream.

[rocketphish]

NCC's latest search for major LeBreton Flats attraction is 'different this time,' director says
Only one date is certain: Feb. 28, 2022. At noon, to be precise. That's the deadline for responses to the request for expressions of interest for the two attraction sites.

Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen
Publishing date: Dec 01, 2021 • 11 hours ago • 3 minute read

The National Capital Commission has a big job trying to find a major attraction for LeBreton Flats, but an equally monumental challenge might be convincing the public that something will be built.

Katie Paris, the NCC director in charge of the LeBreton Flats project, told reporters “it’s really different this time” during a news conference Wednesday as the agency launched its latest attempt to find an anchor destination for the 29-hectare redevelopment.

It’s a reassuring message residents of the capital region have heard before.

However, there’s some evidence the NCC is ready to finally tackle LeBreton Flats with concrete action, first with intensifying the northeast corner of Booth Street with homes and building new pathways through the central part of the site.

Still, the NCC can forgive the public if it senses people are tired of hearing about visioning exercises and strategic goals.

They want to see the payoff.

So, why does the NCC think this time will be different than previous attempts to find an attraction for LeBreton Flats?

Ever since the failed RendezVous LeBreton project, the NCC has worked on a master concept plan for the site charting incremental development.

Paris said the document would give the agency more flexibility to transform the land in concentrated phases, rather than baking in a development blueprint for the entire property.

The NCC’s hope is the entire redevelopment won’t fail because of the anchor attraction. In fact, the NCC has a backup plan to simply extend the mixed-use neighbourhood if it can’t find a good fit for an anchor facility.

Why is the NCC launching this competition now?

The NCC wants to know if it can establish a big attraction in the early phases of LeBreton Flats redevelopment so it can help mixed-use developers plan for future phases.

The LeBreton Flats concept plan talks about three phases described as early, middle and late.

The 6.3-acre major attraction site, between City Centre Avenue and Preston Street, and parcels around it are identified in the early phase. A trio of parcels across from the Canadian War Museum are also slated for the early phase, along with land at Albert and Booth streets currently under a development competition.

The concept plan identified a 1.2-acre attraction site at the centre of LeBreton Flats as a late-phase project, but the NCC is also looking for interested parties to pitch visions for that parcel in the request for expressions of interest released on Wednesday.

Would the NCC consider a pitch for an NHL-calibre arena?

Yes. The NCC has no problem with the Ottawa Senators answering the request for expressions of interest when it comes to the major attraction site at LeBreton Flats, if the hockey club is still keen.

“If it’s of interest to the Senators, the door is open,” Paris said.

What doesn’t seem likely, though, is the NCC thinking highly of a proposal for a hockey arena without a confirmed tenant. Paris stressed that experienced proponents must show they have the capacity to build and run the attraction.

Will there be public consultations on submissions to the request for expressions of interest?

No. Paris said the NCC would rely on feedback from public consultations that happened during the full-site master planning.

The approach contrasts with one favoured the last time the NCC tried to find a development partner for LeBreton Flats. The NCC released two competing development visions to the public and the battle for LeBreton Flats generated buzz, especially since it positioned the Senators and Trinity Developments against a powerful corporate consortium that mysteriously also pitched a hockey arena.

It’s still at the beginning of the latest process, but so far the NCC isn’t indicating whether public feedback after the submission deadline will play a role in deciding a main attraction.

How long will it take to build a main attraction at LeBreton Flats?

Only one date is certain: Feb. 28, 2022. At noon, to be precise.

That’s the deadline for responses to the request for expressions of interest for the two attraction sites.

From there, the timelines are anyone’s guess.

The NCC plans to take about two months to consider the submissions, but, even if there’s a preferred vision, it would take time to iron out details and negotiate land leases before the ceremonial shovels are dusted off for a groundbreaking.

[email protected]
twitter.com/JonathanWilling

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-new...ion-is-different-this-time-director-says

[AuxTown]

It's very clear at this point that the NCC thinks an arena/entertainment venue should be part of Lebreton. All they need is an NHL owner willing to do it. Getting such prime land on a major transit line and adjacent to downtown would be the biggest hurdle for any other NHL franchise....but not us. As usual, Ottawa can't get out of its own way to make something happen

[acottawa]

The NCC sounds like Lucy telling Charlie Brown to kick the football.

[hwy418]

Originally Posted by lrt's friend

If we were to do this, we need to be able to close off the upper sections in an elegant way to create a more intimate space for smaller events including the Ottawa 67s. Nothing worse than a huge arena, with only one quarter of the seats occupied. There needs to be buzz for events and nothing kills buzz quicker than an obviously mostly empty building.

Agree with this. 67s need a new rink now and this is the way out so they can demolish the north side stands and arena. Would really love to be able to hop on the LRT for games!